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>> VoiceStream Launches High-Speed Wireless Web Service
Jay Wrolstad
Wireless NewsFactor
November 16, 2001
iStream subscribers can access AOL Instant Messenger service; Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes e-mail, contacts and calendar; and up to 10 Internet e-mail accounts.
VoiceStream is rolling out high-speed mobile Internet access -- including e-mail and instant messaging service -- across the United States. Announcing the launch Wednesday, the company said its new iStream "always on" network operates at 40 kilobits per second (kbps), which is comparable to the average home dial-up Internet connection and considerably faster than the 9.6 kbps offered by most competing wireless networks.
The new network is based on GPRS (general packet radio service) technology, an extension of VoiceStream's GSM (global system for mobile communications)-based wireless network.
Phones by Motorola
VoiceStream, which operates the largest GSM network in the United States, said iStream will cost US$2.99 per month and will be available on the $50 Motorola T193 Internet-enabled phone being produced for the carrier. This GPRS phone features voice dialing, SMS (short message service) capability and a 100-entry phone book.
By adding iStream to their monthly voice plan, VoiceStream customers with Internet-compatible handsets can gain access to AOL Instant Messenger service; Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes e-mail, contacts and calendar; and up to 10 Internet e-mail accounts, thanks to ViAir's WirelessInbox software.
VoiceStream also is offering iStream service for laptops and PDAs running Microsoft's Pocket PC operating system through a connection with the Motorola P280 mobile phone. This next-generation handset, designed by Motorola for the business market and for globetrotters, employs GPRS technology used in more than 80 countries and features GSM tri-band technology.
Roaming Agreement Reached
VoiceStream, a member of the T-Mobile International group, the mobile telecommunications subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, said it has established a roaming agreement with Microcell Solutions, Canada's largest GSM/GPRS service provider, to offer a high-speed mobile data network throughout North America for Fido and VoiceStream customers.
"VoiceStream's wireless data service combines mobility with Internet functionality to give customers compelling, high-speed features and services," said Cole Brodman, VoiceStream's senior vice president of product management.
"We are taking this ease-of-use advantage and making it benefit the customer with pricing plans based on how much information is sent and received, not the connect time to access it," Brodman added. "Wireless Internet users have traditionally been charged for every minute they were connected to the Internet. Given slow network speeds, costs could be considerable, and users could economize only by limiting their time online. Faster, 'always on' iStream service makes all that obsolete." <<
- Eric - |
